The Prince of Wales paid a visit to the Gloucester and District Branch of Samaritans to help them celebrate their 50th anniversary on Tuesday.
During his visit, Prince Charles heard from Samaritan volunteers who support community members in times of need.
The charity says its volunteers routinely handle 10,000 calls a day, giving people who need someone to talk to their support. In 2020, the charity says it had 20,000 volunteers supporting the public during the pandemic lockdowns. Prince Charles sat down for a cup of tea with the volunteers and told them how proud he was of the work they do.
In a statement shared on the Samaritans website, Prince Charles says: “I can’t tell you how proud I am to be involved in such a remarkable organisation. It’s amazing that this branch has been going for 50 years. You are such an amazing credit to this country in terms of what you do, all the time, for so long – I know one (volunteer) has been here for 50 years, others 40, 30 and so on. So you are, if I may say so, the absolute backbone of what is required and are here for people who otherwise wouldn’t get the help they need.
“I hope this anniversary will remind you just how important you all are.”
After receiving a tour of the Gloucester and District facilities, Prince Charles unveiled a plaque to mark his visit.
Susan Raftree, Branch Director at Gloucester Samaritans, said: “It was a great honour to welcome our Royal Patron, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to our branch, celebrating our 50th anniversary.
“We are delighted to have His Royal Highness help us celebrate the 50th birthday of Gloucester & District Samaritans, speak to volunteers, and see first-hand their devotion to supporting people who need it, especially during this challenging time. It is thanks to our amazing volunteers that we’ve been able to be here throughout the pandemic, and over the past 50 years.
“The Prince of Wales taking the time to visit us means so much to everyone here and now we look forward to being here for anyone in need of support for the next fifty years and beyond!”
Prince Charles has been patron of Samaritans since 1999.
